Modules for monitoring patients and related systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Patient monitoring systems can include a display unit and a patient parameter module. The patient parameter module can be connected to a docking region so as to communicate with the display unit in two or more orientations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of pendingU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/236,800, titled MODULES FORMONITORING PATIENTS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS, filed on Aug. 25,2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to patient monitoring.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of modules for use in monitoring patients, as well asrelated systems and methods, are disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a display systemwith an embodiment of a patient parameter module coupled with anembodiment of a display unit in a first orientation;

FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the display system of FIG. 1A withthe patient parameter module coupled with the display unit in a secondorientation;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the display system of FIG. 1A in amounted configuration and coupled with a patient;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the display system of FIG. 1Afurther illustrating an axis of rotation of the patient parametermodule;

FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of the patient parameter module ofFIG. 1A shown disconnected from the display unit;

FIG. 4B is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a patientparameter module;

FIG. 4C is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a patientparameter module;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the display unit of FIG. 1A showndisconnected from the patient parameter module;

FIG. 6A is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 6B is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a connectorconfigured to couple with the connector of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 7B is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a connectorconfigured to couple with the connector of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8B is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a connectorconfigured to couple with the connector of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorconfigured to couple with the connector of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 9B is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 9C is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a connectorconfigured to couple with the connector of FIG. 9A in two separaterelative orientations and configured to couple with the connector ofFIG. 9B in a single relative orientation;

FIG. 10A is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a pair of connectorsthat are configured to be coupled with each other and that arecompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 10B is an end-on plan view of the pair of connectors of FIG. 10Ashown in a rotated state;

FIG. 11A is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 11B is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a pair of connectorsconfigured to separately couple with the connector of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 12B is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a pair of connectorsconfigured to separately couple with the connector of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a patientparameter module;

FIG. 14A is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 14B is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a connectorconfigured to couple with the connector of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 15B is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a connectorconfigured to couple with the connector of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a system for changingan electrical configuration of an electrical interface; and

FIG. 17A is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 17B is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a connectorconfigured to couple with the connector of FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18A is an end-on plan view of another embodiment of a connectorcompatible with embodiments of the system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 18B is an end-on plan view of an embodiment of a connectorconfigured to couple with the connector of FIG. 18A;

FIG. 19A is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a patientparameter module that includes an optical sensor;

FIG. 19B is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of a display unitthat includes optical targets on either side of connectors; and

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a module rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Devices for monitoring physiological or other parameters of a patient,such as body temperature, venous oxygen saturation, or blood pressure,are often mounted near the patient. Certain devices can communicate withsensors positioned on or within the patient via one or more wires orcables that extend between the monitoring devices and the patient. Thecables are routed to the same portions of the mounted devicesindependent of the position of the patient relative to the devices.Thus, in many instances, the routing path of the cables or wires can beinconvenient or cumbersome, such as when the patient is at one side of amounted device and cables are routed to an opposite side of the device.

In certain embodiments disclosed herein, systems for use in monitoringpatients are readily reconfigurable to permit wires or cables to berouted to different portions of the devices, as desired. In particularembodiments, the systems can be transitioned among multipleorientations. For example, a module can be configured to be selectivelyconnected with and disconnected from a docking region of a display unit,which may be mounted in a substantially fixed position. The module canbe connected with the docking region in either a first orientation, inwhich one or more communication cables can be routed to one side of thedocking region, or a second orientation, in which the communicationcables can be routed to a different side of the docking region. In somecases, a module can be selectively coupled with the display unit in anyof a variety of configurations, which can improve the routing of cablesbetween the patient and the display unit.

With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in certain embodiments, a patientmonitoring system or a display system 100 comprises a display unit 110,a patient parameter module 112, and a base 114. The module 112 can beconfigured to selectively couple with and decouple from the display unit110, and the display unit 110 can be configured to selectively couplewith and decouple from the base 114. The coupling between the module 112and the display unit 110, or between the display unit 110 and the base114, can be mechanical, electrical, optical, and/or of any othersuitable variety. For example, the coupling can be for physical union,communication, and/or power transfer.

FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment of the display system 100 in a firstcoupled configuration in which the display unit 110 is connected to thebase 114 and in which the module 112 is connected to a docking region120 of the display unit 110. The module 112 includes a plurality ofconnectors or ports 122 a, 122 b, 122 c, 122 d, 122 e, 122 f, which canbe configured to couple with one or more wires or cables 124 a, 124 b(FIG. 2). As further discussed below, the cables 124 can extend betweenthe ports 122 and one or more sensors 126 a, 126 b (FIG. 2), which canbe configured to gather data regarding a patient 128 (FIG. 2).

The display system 100 can be configured to be mounted in asubstantially fixed position, and the module 112 can be configured totransition from a first orientation relative to the display unit 110(FIG. 1A) to a second orientation relative to the display unit 110 (FIG.1B) without moving the display unit 110 or base 114 from thesubstantially fixed position. As a result, the module 112 can beconveniently manipulated to allow for cables 124 to be run to one sidethe display unit 110 or another side of the display unit 110substantially without moving or repositioning the display unit 110itself. In the illustrated embodiment, when the module 112 istransitioned from the first orientation to the second orientation, theports 122 are moved from one side of the display unit 110 to an oppositeside of the display unit 110. Thus, the ports 122 are not visible in theview depicted in FIG. 1B.

In the illustrated embodiment, the module 112 includes an actuator 129.As further discussed below, actuation of the actuator 129 can allowremoval of the module 112 from the display unit 110, and thus can aid intransitioning the module 112 between the first and second orientations.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate front and rear perspective views, respectively,of an embodiment of the system 100 in which the module 112 and thedisplay unit 110 are in a coupled configuration (e.g., the module 112 isin the second orientation of FIG. 1B), and in which the display unit 110and the base 114 are in a coupled configuration. Portions of theillustrated embodiment that are identifiable in this arrangement willnow be described.

The display unit 110, which can also be referred to as a monitor or adisplay and control unit, comprises a housing 130. The housing 130defines an upper end 132 and a lower end 134. Extending downwardly fromthe upper end 132 is a front face 136. The housing 130 can extendrearward from an outer edge of the front face 136. In the illustratedembodiment, a left side face 142 and a right side face 144 each extendrearward from the front face 136. The left and right side faces 142, 144also extend inwardly towards a central longitudinal plane of the housing130 so as to be substantially hidden from view from a vantage pointdirectly in front of the front face 136 of the housing 130. Each of theleft and right side faces 142, 144 can substantially resemble a portionof a cylinder.

As used herein, terms describing the orientation of an object, such asleft, right, upper, lower, front, rear, etc. are recited from aperspective looking toward the front face 136 of the illustratedembodiment of the display unit 110 when the system 100 is in a fullycoupled configuration. Such directional terms are used for convenienceand should not be construed as limiting.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a left recess 146 extendsfrom the left side face 142 toward an interior of the housing 130, and aright recess 148 extends from the right side face 144 toward theinterior of the housing 130. The left and right recesses 146, 148 caninclude therein a left actuator 147 and a right actuator 149,respectively. The actuators 147, 149 can be used to decouple the displayunit 110 from the base 114.

A top face 160 of the housing 130 can extend rearward from the frontface 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 130 defines ahandle 162 that extends rearward and inwardly from the top face 160 andthe left and right side faces 142, 144.

As shown in FIG. 3, a rear portion of the housing 130 can define thedocking region 120, which can include one or more communication ports orconnectors 172 a, 172 b, 172 c, 172 d, 172 e, 172 f (see also FIG. 5)and one or more mounting pins 174. The docking region 120 is describedin greater detail below.

The housing 130 can further define a rearward projection 178. Therearward projection 178 can extend inwardly and rearward from the leftand right side faces 142, 144, and can terminate in a rearward end 180(see also FIG. 5). The rearward projection 178 can include asubstantially planar bottom face 182 (see also FIG. 5) and asubstantially planar top face 184, and can resemble a trapezoidal prism.

The display unit 110 can include one or more ports 190 a, 190 b, 190 cfor receiving or delivering information. The ports 190 can include oneor more serial ports, USB ports, Ethernet ports, DVI ports, or any othersuitable variety of ports, interfaces, or connectors. In the illustratedembodiments, the ports 190 are recessed relative to the right side face144.

With reference again to FIG. 2, a front surface of the display unit 110can include a viewing area 200 that is configured to display informationin a visually perceivable format. For example, the viewing area 200 caninclude a screen 202 of any suitable variety, including those presentlyknown and those yet to be devised. For example, the screen 202 cancomprise a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. In some embodiments, thescreen 202 can be configured to receive information or otherwiseinteract with a medical practitioner. For example, the screen 202 cancomprise a touch screen. In some embodiments, information received viaone or more of the ports 190 can be displayed on the screen 202.

At least a portion of the information displayed by the display unit 110can represent information received from the patient 128 or thatotherwise relates to the patient 128. For example, in some embodiments,the one or more sensors 126 are connected to the patient 128 to senseone or more parameters, and information obtained via the one or moresensors 126 is delivered to the module 112. In the illustratedembodiment, the sensors 126 a, 126 b deliver information to the module112 via the cables 124 a, 124 b, which are connected to the ports 122 a,122 b via connectors 210 a, 210 b. Although two sets of sensors 126,cables 124, connectors 210, and ports 122 are shown, more or fewer setsare possible.

The ports 122 can comprise any suitable variety of ports, interfaces, orconnectors. In some embodiments, one or more of the ports 122 arecompatible with one or more specific sensors 126. For example, in someembodiments, the sensors 126 and ports 122 can be configured to deliverinformation to the module 112 regarding one or more of the electricalactivity of the heart, body temperature, blood pressure, venous oxygenconcentration, and carbon dioxide concentration of the patient 128. Oneor more of the ports 122 thus can comprise, for example, anelectrocardiogram (ECG) connector, a temperature connector, an invasiveand/or noninvasive blood pressure connector, and a mixed venous oxygenconcentration (SVO₂) connector.

The one or more ports 122 of a module 112 can be described ascommunication passageways, or paths through which one or more ofinformation, data, impulses, signals, or other communications arecommunicated to or from the module 112. The connectors 210 may also bedescribed as communication passageways, and may be said to permit wiredor tethered communication. Stated otherwise, in some instances, theports 122 allow the transfer of data along a path that passes throughthe ports 122.

The module 112 can be configured to process the information it receivesfrom a sensor 126 and to deliver it to the display unit 110, which candisplay the processed information. In some embodiments, the display unit110 can further process the information prior to displaying it.

In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises more than one module 112.For example, a single module 112 can be configured to monitor one ormore parameters of the patient 128, and one or more additional patientparameter modules 112 each can be configured to monitor one or moreadditional parameters of the patient 128. In further embodiments, one ormore patient parameter modules 112 are only indirectly connected to thepatient 128. For example, rather than communicating with the patient viacables 124, the module 112 can instead receive information regarding thepatient 128 via a connection with the display unit 110. In someembodiments, the module 112 can comprise a recorder that is configuredto store information regarding the patient, which the recorder receivesfrom the display unit 110.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments, thedisplay unit 110 can receive power from the base 114, which itself canreceive power from a power source 220 via a power line or cord 222. Thepower source 220 can comprise, for example, the AC wiring of a hospital.As shown in FIG. 3, the base 114 can include a socket 224 for couplingwith a power cord 222. In some embodiments, the module 112 can receivepower from the display unit 110, as further discussed below.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 114 can comprise oneor more ports 226 a, 226 b, 226 c, 226 d, 226 e, 226 f for receiving ordelivering information. The ports 226 can comprise any suitable varietyof ports, interfaces, or connectors. The base 114 and display unit 110can be coupled so as to communicate with each other such thatinformation received via one or more of the ports 226 can be deliveredto the display unit 110. Likewise, the display unit 110 can transmitinformation via one or more of the ports 226. At least one of the ports226 can be configured to interface with a hospital network.

With reference to FIG. 2, the base 114 can be mounted in a substantiallyfixed position. For example, the base 114 can be fixedly mounted to awall within a hospital room in a single position by one or more plates,brackets, screws, bolts, or other mounting hardware and attachmentdevices. As another example, the base 114 can be configured totransition among multiple fixed positions. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the base 114 is coupled to a mounting strip 232,which is in turn mounted to a wall 230 of a hospital room. The base 114is capable of being adjusted upwardly or downwardly along a pathconstrained by one or more channels 234 defined by the mounting strip232 so as to transition among a variety of positions. In each suchposition, the base 114 can be fixed relative to the mounting strip 232.In some embodiments, the base 114 is coupled with the mounting strip 232via a mounting plate or a mounting bracket (not shown), the position ofwhich can be adjusted upwardly or downwardly within the channels 234 inany suitable manner.

In other embodiments, the base 114 can be secured to a hospital bed, amechanical arm, a rolling stand, or any other suitable object (notshown). In some embodiments, a bottom surface 236 of the base 114 ispositioned at a height of from about five feet to about six feet above afloor of a hospital room so as to allow the display unit 110 to beviewed easily and/or to avoid interference with other objects in theroom.

The base 114 can comprise a component tower 240 that extends upwardly ata rearward end thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, a top surface 242of the component tower 240 is substantially coplanar with the top face184 of the rearward projection 178 of the display unit 110 when the base114 and the display unit 110 are coupled to each other. The componenttower 240 can provide a clearing or a space 244 rearward of the module112 when the module 112 is coupled with the display unit 110. As furtherdiscussed below, this arrangement can facilitate the coupling anddecoupling of the module 112 to and from the docking region 120 of thedisplay unit 110.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A, in certain embodiments, the module 112comprises a housing 250, which can include a front section 252 and arear section 254. In the illustrated embodiment, substantially all ofthe front section 252 of the housing 250 is configured to be receivedwithin the docking region 120 when the module 112 is connected to thedisplay unit 110. The front and rear sections 252, 254 can cooperate toencase the circuitry and electrical components of the module 112.

The rear section 254 of the housing 250 can define a rearward face 262,two side faces 264, and two transverse faces 266. The rearward face 262and the side faces 264 can substantially conform to the contour of therearward projection 178 of the display unit 110 when the module 112 iscoupled to the display unit 110. Each of the transverse faces 266 can besubstantially planar, and can be configured to rest flatly against thetop face 184 of the rearward projection 178 when the module 112 is inone of the first orientation and the second orientation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear face 262 defines a channel orrecess 270, which can extend in a substantially longitudinal directionbetween the transverse faces 266. The recess 270 can be at leastpartially defined by a pair of opposing sidewalls 272, 274. The sidewall274 closest to the side face 264 that comprises the actuator 129 can aidin single-handed coupling of the module 112 to the display unit 110,which in some cases can advantageously allow for the coupling ordecoupling of the module 112 without disturbing any cables that may beconnected to the module 112.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, a practitionerstanding in front of or toward the right side of the system 100 can usehis or her right hand to effectuate release of the module 112 from thedisplay unit 110. One or more fingers or fingertips of the right handcan be inserted into the recess 270, and can grip against theleft-facing (as illustrated) sidewall 274. The thumb of the right handcan be positioned on the actuator 129, and can move the actuatorrearward to permit release of the module 112 from the display unit 110.The module 112 can then be urged rearward and away from the dockingregion 120. The procedure can be reversed to couple the module 112 withthe display unit 110, although in some embodiments, the coupling cantake place without actuation of the actuator 129.

The left hand can be used in a similar manner to connect or disconnectthe module 112 to or from the display unit 110, such as when the module112 is moved into or out of the first orientation (shown in FIG. 1A). Infurther instances, either the right or left hand can be positioned suchthat one or more fingertips actuate the actuator 129 and the thumb isplaced on the sidewall 274.

The space 244 above the component tower 240 can aid in the coupling anddecoupling procedures just described. For example, when the base 114 ismounted near a wall 230 (see FIG. 2), the space 244 can permit movementof a hand between the module 112 and the wall 230, as well as movementof the module 112 outward from the docking region 120.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, the module 112 can be transitionedbetween the first and second orientations by rotation about an axis 277.In the illustrated embodiment, the axis 277 is substantially parallel tothe transverse faces 266, and the axis 277 extends between thetransverse faces 266 and the side faces 264. The axis 277 can besubstantially normal to a front face 280 (see FIG. 4A) of the module112.

In the illustrated embodiment, the module 112 is rotated through anangle of approximately 180 degrees about the axis 277 when it istransitioned from the first orientation to the second orientation.Stated otherwise, the second orientation is rotated about the axis 277by approximately 180 degrees relative to the first orientation. Asfurther discussed below, in some embodiments, a variety of otherrotation angles are possible for the module 112.

With reference to FIG. 4A, the module 112 can comprise one or morecommunication ports or connectors 290 a, 290 b. The connectors 290 cancomprise any suitable variety of port, connector, or interface, and canbe complementary to the connectors 172. In certain embodiments, themodule 112 comprises an unpopulated connector bay 300, which can serveas a placeholder. The use of an unpopulated bay 300 with the module 112can result from inclusion of components within the module 112 thatconsume a relatively large volume, but use relatively few electricalcontacts for communication with the display unit 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors 290 a, 290 b can beconnected with the connectors 172 a, 172 b of the docking region 120(see FIG. 5), respectively. This coupling configuration can yield thearrangement depicted in FIG. 3, in which the actuator 129 is at a rightside of the system 100. The module 112 can be rotated so as to attachthe connectors 290 a, 290 b to the connectors 172 c, 172 b (see FIG. 5),respectively. In this orientation, the actuator 129 is at an oppositeside of the system 100 and one of the transverse faces 266 is adjacentto the top face 184 of the rearward projection 178 of the display unit110. Thus, the connectors 290 a, 290 b can populate different connectors172 when the module 112 is in the same position relative to the displayunit 110, but is rotated about the axis 277 by approximately 180degrees, due to the absence of a connector from the bay 300. In furtherarrangements, the connectors 290 a, 290 b can be coupled, respectively,with the connectors 172 b, 172 c (actuator 129 faces right); 172 d, 172c (actuator 129 faces left); 172 c, 172 d (actuator 129 faces right);172 e, 172 d (actuator 129 faces left); 172 d, 172 e (actuator 129 facesright); and 172 f, 172 e (actuator 129 faces left).

The front face 280 of the module 112 can define one or more openings 302through which the enlarged tip of a mounting pin 174 (FIGS. 3 and 5) canbe received. A latch 304 can be positioned behind the front face 280 andcan be biased toward the left, in the configuration shown in FIG. 4A, soas to constrict the size of one or more of the openings 302.Accordingly, the tip of one or more mounting pins 174 can be held withinthe module 112 by the latch 304 to thereby maintain the module 112connected to the mounting region 120.

Rearward translation of the actuator 129 can cam the latch 304 to moveto the right, thereby enlarging the opening 302 to permit passage of thetip of the mounting pin 174 through the opening 302, and thus permitremoval of the module 112 from the mounting region 120. The module 112can include a plurality of protrusions or guides 308 that are configuredto aid in coupling the module 112 with the mounting region 120.

In the illustrated embodiment, the module 112 comprises a display region310 that includes a display that is oriented so as to be read equallywell in either the first orientation or the second orientation, orstated otherwise, so as to be substantially without preference foreither of the first or second orientations. Matter within the displayregion 310 can be aligned along a line that is substantially parallel tothe axis of rotation 277 (FIG. 3). For example, each letter of the text“DATA” in the illustrated embodiment is rotated by 90 degrees relativeto a vertical axis. The display region 310 can include text, symbols,graphics, or other directionally sensitive markings.

FIG. 4B illustrates an embodiment of a module 112′ that resembles themodule 112 in many respects. Accordingly, like features are identifiedwith like, yet primed, reference numerals. The module 112′ also differsfrom the module 112 in some respects. For example, the module 112′comprises a housing 250′ that is smaller than the housing 250, in thattransverse faces 266′ of the module 112′ are closer to each other thanare the transverse faces 266 of the module 112. Likewise, the module112′ does not include a bay 300 that is void of connectors. Rather, themodule 112′ is sized such that its two connectors 290 a′, 290 b′ can becoupled with two connectors 172 of a docking region without the module112′ preventing access to any of the other connectors 172.

Additionally, the module 112′ is configured for use in only a singleupright orientation. For example, the module 112′ can includegravity-sensitive equipment that will not function if the module 112′ isrotated upside-down. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the module 112′can comprise a display region 312 that defines an upright orientationthat corresponds with the upright orientation of the module 112′. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the text “DATA” is upright whenthe connector 290 b′ is above the connector 290 a′, but is upside-downwhen the connector 290 a′ is above the connector 290 b′. The displayregion 312 thus exhibits a preference for the former orientation. Inother embodiments, the module 112′ can be configured for use in multipleorientations, and thus may more closely resemble the module 112 (e.g.,may include a display region such as the display region 310). In furtherembodiments, the module 112′ can comprise more or fewer connectors 290′.

FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of a module 112″ that resembles themodules 112, 112′ in many respects. However, the module 112″ comprisesonly a single connector 290 a″. Additionally, the module 112″ defines alower profile, without any empty bays 300, and thus will not obstructany connectors 172 above or below a connector 172 of a docking region120 to which the connector 290 a″ may be attached. In some embodiments,the module 112″ is configured for use in a single upright orientation,and in others, it may be rotated into one of multiple configurations. Infurther embodiments, the module 112′ can comprise more or fewerconnectors 290″.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the docking region 120 of thedisplay unit 110. The docking region 120 can include an upper side 320,a lower side 321, a left side 322, and a right side 324. At the leftside 322 of the docking region 120, a left sidewall 332 extendsforwardly from a rear edge of the left side face 142 of the display unit110. Likewise, at the right side 324 of the docking region 120, a rightsidewall 334 extends forwardly from a rear edge of the right side face144 of the display unit 110. Each of the left and right sidewalls 332,334 extends to a base wall 336. The sidewalls 332, 334, the base wall336, and the top face 184 of the rearward projection 178 cooperate toform a module receptacle or cavity 338.

The left sidewall 332 and the base wall 336 can define a plurality ofleft channels 342, and the right sidewall 334 and the base wall 336 candefine a plurality of right channels 344. One or more of the left andright channels 342, 344 can be complementary to or otherwise configuredto receive and/or retain one or more of the guides 308 of the module112.

In the illustrated embodiment, the docking region 120 includes sixconnectors 172. In some embodiments, the connectors 172 aresubstantially identical to each other, and may be self-symmetrical orrotationally redundant such that a module 112 can be connected with anyof the connectors 172, whether in the first orientation or the secondorientation. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the modules 112,112′, 112″ can be coupled with the docking region 120 simultaneously.The modules 112, 112′, 112″ can be arranged in any suitable permutation,such as, for example, those shown in TABLE 1.

TABLE 1 Intermediate Portion Lower Portion of Upper Portion of ofDocking Region Docking Region Docking Region Port Module Port DirectionModule Port Direction Module Direction 112 Left 112′ Left 112″ Left 112Right 112′ Left 112″ Right 112 Right 112′ Right 112″ Right 112 Left 112″Left 112′ Left 112 Right 112″ Right 112′ Left 112 Right 112″ Right 112′Right 112′ Left 112 Left 112″ Left 112′ Left 112 Right 112″ Right 112′Right 112 Right 112″ Right

As noted above, and as shown in illustrative TABLE 1, in someembodiments, it is preferable not to flip, rotate, or reorient themodule 112′. In other embodiments, the module 112′ can operate in aflipped or rotated orientation.

The docking region 120 can be configured to receive information from oneor more modules 112 via the connectors 172, and the information can beused by the display unit 110. For example, coupling one or moreconnectors 290 of a module 112 with one or more connectors 172 of thedocking region 120 can communicatively link the module 112 with thedocking region 120. Information can be transferred between the module112 and the display unit 110, or can be provided from the module 112 tothe display unit 110, via the docking region 120 when the connectors290, 172 are engaged with each other.

The one or more modules 112 can comprise unique identificationinformation, which can be transmitted to the display unit 110 when themodules 112 are coupled to the docking region 120. For example, a module112 may be configured to communicate its manufacturer, model number,serial number, date of manufacture, previous date of use, monitoringconfiguration (e.g., identification of the patient parameter it isconfigured to monitor), or other such information, which may be storedin memory. The display unit 110 may be able to display this informationvia the screen 202 (FIG. 2).

Moreover, coupling a module 112 with the display unit 110 may prompt thedisplay unit 110 to display other information. For example, if themodule 112 is configured to be used in only a single uprightorientation, but the module 112 has been connected with the display unit110 in an upside-down orientation, the module 112 and/or display unit110 may be able to detect this error and cause a warning to be displayedon the screen 202.

The display unit 110 may also obtain information regarding whichconnectors 172 are in use or are otherwise obstructed or renderedunavailable. The display unit 110 may further identify which modules 112are responsible for the usage or obstruction of the connectors 172.Thus, in some embodiments, upon connection of the module 112 illustratedin FIG. 4A with the display unit 110, the display unit 110 may indicatethat three of its connectors 172 are rendered unavailable by the module112.

As previously discussed, information regarding the one or moreparameters of the patient 128 that are being monitored by the modules112 can be delivered to the display unit 110 via the docking region 120.The display unit 110 can display this information via the screen 202.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a pair of complementaryconnectors 401, 402 suitable for use with certain embodiments of thesystem 100. Either connector 401, 402 can be used as one or more of theconnectors 172 (FIG. 5) and/or as one or more of the connectors 290,290′, 290″ (FIGS. 4A-4C). In the illustrated arrangement, each connector401, 402 is substantially self-symmetrical such that a top half and abottom half thereof are substantially identical to each other.

With reference to FIG. 6A, the connector 401 comprises a firstelectrical interface 411 and a second electrical interface 412. Thefirst electrical interface 411 comprises a top row of electricalcontacts 415, and the second electrical interface 412 comprises a bottomrow of electrical contacts 416. The electrical contacts 415, 416 cancomprise any suitable structure for electrical communication, such asmetallic pins, leads, slots, plugs, or sockets. Moreover, any suitablenumber or arrangement of the electrical contacts 415, 416 is possible.With reference to FIG. 6B, the connector 402 comprises a firstelectrical interface 421 that includes a top row of electrical contacts425, and comprises a second electrical interface 422 that includes abottom row of electrical contacts 426.

For the sake of convenience, the following discussion focuses onembodiments of a system 100 in which the connector 290 a″ of the module112″ (FIG. 4C) comprises the connector 401, and in which the connector172 a of the docking region 120 (FIG. 5) comprises the connector 402.Similar embodiments are discussed with respect to the connectorsillustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B,11A, 11B, 12A, and 12B. Although the module 112″ and the docking region120 are not shown in these figures (except that a portion of the dockingregion 120 is shown in FIG. 11B), the discussion relating to thesefigures nevertheless references the module 112″ and the docking region120. For all embodiments, appropriate reversals of the connectorsassociated with the connector 290 a″ and of the connectors associatedwith the connector 172 a are possible. Likewise, the connectors can beused with embodiments of the modules 112 and 112′ (FIGS. 4A and 4B).

With continued reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, in some embodiments, theelectrical interface 411 of the connector 401 is not used. For example,the electrical contacts 415 may not be connected to any circuitry withinthe module 112″. When the module 112″ is connected to the docking region120 in a first orientation, the interface 412 and the interface 422couple with each other. In particular, the electrical contacts 416 ofthe interface 412 contact the electrical contacts 426 of the interface422. When the module 112″ is transitioned to a second orientation, theinterface 412 and the interface 421 couple with each other. Inparticular, the electrical contacts 416 of the interface 412 contact theelectrical contacts 425 of the interface 421.

In other embodiments, one of the interfaces 421, 422 of the connector402 may not be used, and both of the interfaces 411, 412 of theconnector 401 may be used. Thus, for example, in a first couplingorientation of the module 112″, the interface 411 and the interface 421may be coupled with each other, and in a second coupling orientation ofthe module 112″, the interface 412 and the interface 421 may be coupledwith each other.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an embodiment of complementary connectors501, 502, which can resemble the connectors 401, 402. Accordingly,similar features are identified with like references numerals having anincremented leading digit. In the illustrated embodiment, electricalcontacts that are not utilized are not shown. In some embodiments, theseomitted contacts are not physically present, while in other embodiments,these omitted contacts may in fact be physically present, but merelyleft unwired or disconnected. The preceding discussion regardingnumbering conventions and depiction of electrical contacts appliesequally to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B, 11A, 11B, 12A, and12B.

A first connection interface 511 of the connector 501 can include anelectrical contact 530 at an end thereof. A second connection interface512 can include an electrical contact 531 at an end thereof. When theconnectors 501, 502 are coupled in a first orientation, the contact 531can communicate with an electrical contact 541 of an interface 522 ofthe second connector 502. However, no communication between theconnectors 501, 502 is made via an electrical contact 540 of theconnector 502 in this operational configuration. Similarly, when theconnectors 501, 502 are coupled in a second orientation, the contact 530can communicate with the contact 540, but no communication is made viathe contact 541. The physical absence of an electrical contact in eachof the interfaces 511, 512 or, in other embodiments, the differentwiring of the interfaces 511, 512, are examples of asymmetries that canindicate whether the module 112″ is in a first orientation or a secondorientation.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate an embodiment of a connector 601 andembodiments of two discrete connectors 602, 603 with which the connector601 can be coupled. The connector 602 includes a lower electricalinterface 625 and the connector 603 includes an upper electricalinterface 626. Each of the connectors 602, 603 can be separately mountedto the docking region 120. Any relative angle of rotation between themounted connectors 602, 603, and hence the interfaces 625, 626, ispossible. For example, in the illustrated embodiments, the rotationalangle between the two orientations of the interfaces 625, 626 is 180degrees, In various embodiments, the rotation angle can be between about45 degrees and about 315 degrees, between about 60 degrees and about 300degrees, between about 90 degrees and about 270 degrees, between about135 degrees and about 225 degrees, no less than about 30 degrees, noless than about 45 degrees, no less than about 90 degrees, no less thanabout 135 degrees, or no less than about 180 degrees. The connector 601comprises an electrical interface 612 that is configured to couple witheach of the interfaces 625, 626, the module 112″, and thus the connector601 likewise can be rotated through the angles just described betweencoupling states.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate embodiments of separate connectors 701,701′ that are configured to couple with a connector 702. The connector702 can be keyed in any suitable manner. In the illustrated embodiment,a protrusion 730 extends from one end of the connector 602.

The connector 701 is configured to couple with the connector 702 in twodifferent orientations. In each orientation, one of a channel 740 and achannel 741 defined by the connector 702 receives the protrusion 730 ofthe connector 702. The connector 701′ comprises a single channel 742 forreceiving the protrusion 730 such that the connector 701′ can onlycouple with the connector 702 in a single relative orientation.

In some embodiments, each of the connectors 172 of the docking region120 comprises a connector such as the connector 702. Some modules 112that are configured to function well in any orientation may compriseconnectors such as the connector 701, whereas other modules that aredesigned to operate in a preferred orientation (e.g., the module 112′)may comprise connectors such as the connector 701′.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict an embodiment of a pair of connectors 801, 802that are configured to maintain a relative orientation to one anotherwhen the module 112″ is rotated between a first and a secondorientation. The connector 801 is fixedly attached to the module 112″such that rotation of the module 112″ effects rotation of an electricalinterface 811 of the connector 801. The connector 802, and an electricalinterface 821 thereof, is rotatable relative to the docking region 120.

With reference to FIG. 10A, the connectors 801, 802 are shown in a firstcoupling orientation. With reference to FIG. 10B, the connectors 801,802 are shown as having been rotated to a second orientation. Inparticular, the connectors 801, 802 have both been rotated by the sameamount.

In some embodiments, the connector 802 can be rotated through a range oforientations, and can remain substantially fixed in any position towhich it has been rotated. For example, the connector 802 can be mountedto the docking region 120 via a self-tensioning axle. In variousembodiments, the connector 802 can be configured to rotate through arange of angles of from 0 degrees to no more than about 360 degrees, nomore than about 270 degrees, no more than about 180 degrees, no morethan about 90 degrees, or no more than about 45 degrees. In otherembodiments, the connector 802 can be rotated to any of a variety ofdiscreet orientations within the foregoing ranges, such as via one ormore detents. In still other embodiments, the connector 802 is fixedlymounted in the docking region 120 and the connector 801 is configured torotate relative to the module 112″, such as via any of the manners justdescribed.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict an embodiment of a connector 901 and twodiscrete connectors 902, 903 with which the connector 901 can becoupled. The connectors 902, 903 are fixedly mounted to the base wall336 of the docking region 120, and are elongated in directions that aresubstantially orthogonal to each other. Other relative angles betweenthe connectors 902, 903, such as any of the angle ranges describedabove, are also possible. Each connector 902, 903 includes twoelectrical interfaces, such that the connector 901 can be attached tothe docking region 120 in four different orientations. Stated otherwise,the module 112″, which may include ports 122 (FIG. 1A) for receivinginformation from a patient, can be oriented such that the ports 122 aresubstantially directed toward one of the upper side 320, lower side 321,left side 322, and right side 324 of the docking region 120 (FIG. 5) inseparate coupling arrangements.

FIGS. 12A and 12B depict an embodiment of connectors 1001, 1002 that areconfigured to couple with each other in two different orientations. Theconnector 1001 includes first and second electrical communicationinterfaces 1011, 1012, as well as a third electrical power interface1030. The connector 1002 includes a communication interface 1022 and apower interface 1032. The power interfaces 1030, 1032 are configured tocouple with each other when the connectors 1001, 1002 are coupled ineither of the first or second orientations, whereas only one of thecommunication interfaces 1011, 1012 couples with the communicationinterface 1022, depending on the coupling state of the connectors 1001,1002.

In some embodiments, the communication interfaces 1011, 1012, 1022 areused for purposes of communicating information when the connectors 1001,1002 are attached to each other, and the interfaces 1030, 1032 are usedfor power transfer. The power interface 1030 can include electricalcontacts 1040 a, 1040 b, 1040 c, 1040 d and the power interface 1032 caninclude electrical contacts 1050 a, 1050 b, 1050 c, 1050 d. Whenconnected, the contacts 1040 a, 1040 c, 1050 a, 1050 c can be at ground,and the contacts 1040 b, 1040 d, 1050 b, 1050 d can be at a voltagerelative to ground. With respect to power transfer, the connectors 1001,1002 operate identically in either coupling arrangement (e.g.,regardless of whether the contacts 1040 a, 1050 a or the contacts 1040a, 1050 c are coupled).

FIG. 13 depicts an embodiment of a module 1112, such as the modules 112,112′, 112″. The foregoing discussion regarding the modules 112, 112′,and 112″ thus applies to the module 1112, where appropriate. The module1112 can include a sensor 1120 that is configured to detect one or bothof an orientation of the module 1112 and a change in the orientation ofthe module 1112. For example, the sensor 1120 can comprise any suitableaccelerometer.

The module 1112 can include a display region 1130 configured to changebased on an orientation of the module 1112. In the illustratedembodiment, the display region 1130 includes a screen 1132. Images canbe displayed on the screen 1132 in an upright orientation when themodule 1112 is in one orientation, and can also be displayed in anupright orientation when the module 1112 is in a rotated, flipped,opposing, or upside-down orientation. Thus, in the illustratedembodiment, the text “DATA” is shown in an upright orientation, and ifthe module 1112 were flipped over, the display would be reconfiguredsuch that the text “DATA” would again be upright. Information regardingan orientation of the module 1112 obtained from the sensor 1120 can beused by the module 1112 to change the orientation of the display region1130. In some embodiments, information regarding an orientation of themodule 1112 can be used to alter an electrical interface of the module1112, as further described below.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an embodiment of a connector pair 1201,1202 configured for use with embodiments of the module 1112. Withreference to FIG. 14A, the connector 1201 includes an electricalinterface 1211 that includes a plurality of electrical contacts 1215.The connector 1201 can be configured to couple with the connector 1202,in two separate orientations. As shown in FIG. 14B, the connector 1202includes an electrical interface 1221 that includes a plurality ofelectrical contacts 1225. The electrical interfaces 1211 and 1221 areconfigured to couple with each other in each of the first and secondorientations. However, the second orientation is reversed relative tothe first orientation such that different electrical contacts 1215, 1225are in contact with each other in the second orientation.

The connector 1202 can be fixedly coupled with the docking region 120(FIG. 5) such that the module 1112 is rotated to transition between thecoupling orientations. When the module 1112 is rotated from one couplingorientation to another, information obtained from the sensor 1120 (FIG.13) indicating that the rotation has occurred can be used by the module1112 to change an electrical configuration of the electrical interface1211. In particular, an assignment (e.g., pin assignment) of theelectrical contacts 1215 can be reversed so as to maintain agreementbetween the electrical interfaces 1211, 1221. In other embodiments,information regarding an orientation of the module 1112 can insteadreverse an electrical configuration of the interface 1121 of theconnector 1102. One or more sets of the electrical contacts 1215, 1225can be used for power transfer, while one or more of the remainingelectrical contacts 1215, 1225 can be used for communication.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate another embodiment of connectors 1301, 1302that are configured for use with the module 1112. The connectors 1301,1302 can include electrical interfaces 1311, 1321, respectively, whichcan operate identically to the electrical interfaces 1211, 1221 justdescribed, although in some embodiments, the electrical interfaces 1311,1321 are not specifically used for power transfer. The connectors 1301,1302 can include additional electrical interfaces 1330, 1332,respectively, which can function identically to the power interfaces1030, 1032 described above with respect to FIGS. 12A and 12B.Accordingly, in some embodiments, each of the electrical interfaces1311, 1330 is configured to couple with each of the electricalinterfaces 1321, 1332, respectively, in each of the first and secondcoupling orientations. However, unlike an electrical configuration ofeither the electrical interface 1311 or the electrical interface 1321,an electrical configuration of each of the electrical interfaces 1330,1332 remains unchanged upon transition of the connectors 1301, 1302between the two coupling configurations.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of a system 1400for changing an electrical configuration of an electrical interface,such as any of the electrical interfaces 1211, 1221, 1311, 1321described above. The system 1400 can include a sensor 1402, a processor1404, and a pin selector module 1406. The processor 1404 can beconfigured to receive information from the sensor 1402, and can beconfigured to communicate with the pin selector module 1406. The pinselector module 1406 can receive a plurality of leads 1410, and can beconfigured to route the leads 1410 to a plurality of electrical contacts1415 (e.g., the electrical contacts 1215 in FIG. 14A).

The sensor 1402 can comprise any suitable sensor, such as the sensor1120 described above. Additionally, the sensor can comprise any suitablemechanical device, such as, for example, a physical switch that isactivated or moved to a first position when a module is coupled with adocking region in a first orientation and/or deactivated or moved to asecond position when the module is coupled with the docking region in asecond orientation. Other illustrative examples of sensors are discussedfurther below.

The processor 1404 can be configured to receive information from thesensor 1120 and to control operation of the pin selector module based onthe information. Thus, for example, the processor may instruct the pinselector module to reconfigure a pin assignment of a connector uponreceiving information from the sensor 1120 that an orientation of amodule has changed. In other embodiments, the system 1400 does notinclude the processor 1404 and the sensor 1402 provides signals directlyto the pin selector module 1406. The pin selector module 1406 thus canbe configured to respond directly to signals received from the sensor1402.

The pin selector module 1406 can comprise any suitable circuitry and/ordevices for rerouting electrical paths. For example, in someembodiments, the pin selector module 1406 comprises a multiplexer (lineselector) or one or more electrical switches.

Any suitable reassignment of the leads 1410 and the electrical contacts1415 is possible. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, theelectrical contacts 1415 can correspond with the electrical contacts ofa connector (such as the connector 1201 of FIG. 14A) that is fixedlysecured to a patient parameter module and has only five electricalcontacts. When the connector is in a first orientation, the leads 1410a, 1410 b, 1410 c, 1410 d, 1410 e can be assigned to the electricalcontacts 1415 a, 1415 b, 1415 c, 1415 d, 1415 e, respectively. However,when the connector is transitioned to a second orientation (such as whenthe patient parameter module is flipped over), the leads 1410 a, 1410 b,1410 c, 1410 d, 1410 e can be reassigned to the electrical contacts,1415 e, 1415 d, 1415 c, 1415 b, 1415 a, respectively.

FIGS. 17A and 17B illustrate another embodiment of complementaryconnectors 1501, 1502 that can resemble connectors described above inmany respects. For example, the connector 1501 can include an electricalpower interface 1530 that includes electrical contacts 1540 a, 1540 b,1540 c, 1540 d, and the connector 1502 can include an electrical powerinterface 1532 that includes electrical contacts 1550 a, 1550 b, 1550 c,1550 d, in a manner similar to the connectors 1001, 1002 and 1301, 1302.The electrical interfaces 1530, 1532 can be used for transferring powerfrom a display unit to a patient parameter module in manners such asdescribed above.

Rather than having additional electrical interfaces for communicatinginformation, however, the connectors 1501, 1502 instead includecomplementary non-electrical communication interfaces 1511, 1522,respectively. The communication interfaces 1511, 1522 can be configuredto couple with each other so as to communicate signals (e.g.,information-carrying signals) in any suitable non-electrical manner. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the non-electrical interfaces1511, 1522 comprise optical connectors 1550, 1552 that are configured tocouple with each other so as to transmit optical signals. Otherinformation transmission systems are also possible, such as, forexample, infrared.

The communication interfaces 1511, 1522 can be configured to couple witheach other when the connectors 1501, 1502 are attached to each other inthe orientations shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, as well as when either ofthe connectors 1501, 1502, is rotated 180 degrees relative to itsillustrated orientation. Stated otherwise, the interfaces 1511, 1522 maybe configured to couple with each other, and function properly,independent of whether the connectors 1501, 1502 are attached to eachother in a first relative orientation or a second relative orientationthat is rotationally offset relative to the first relative orientation.The electrical power interfaces 1530, 1532 can operate in a manner suchas described with respect to the interfaces 1030, 1032. Accordingly, theconnectors 1501, 1502 can readily function when connected to each otherin either of two relative orientations.

In view of the foregoing, many connector systems are available to allowwired or tethered communication of information between a patientparameter module and a display unit (or from one such device to theother). For example, the connectors 1501, 1502, which includenon-electrical communication interfaces 1511, 1522, can permit suchwired or tethered communication. Additionally, certain electricalconnectors described above, which instead include electrical interfacesfor transmitting data, can allow such wired or tethered communication ofinformation. Stated otherwise, the non-electrical communicationinterfaces (1511,1522) and the electrical communication interfaces(e.g., the interfaces 1211, 1221 and 1311, 1321) allow information to bedelivered from one device to another only when the communicationinterfaces are coupled with each other. Stated in yet another manner, incertain instances, the communication interfaces allow the transfer ofdata along a path that passes exclusively through a set of attachedconnectors.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate another embodiment of complementaryconnectors 1601, 1602 that can be used to permit a patient parametermodule 112 to be coupled with a display unit 110 in either of a firstand a second rotational orientation. The connectors 1601, 1602 comprisecomplementary power interfaces 1630, 1632. The interfaces 1630, 1632 canbe configured to permit a patient parameter module to draw power from adisplay unit when the module is in either a first or second rotationalorientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the power interfaces 1630,1632 comprise electrical leads 1640 a, 1640 b, 1650 a, 1650 b. Othersuitable arrangements for the power interfaces 1630, 1632 (as well asother power interfaces disclosed herein) are also possible. For example,in some embodiments, the power interfaces 1630, 1632 comprise magneticinductance interfaces.

In certain embodiments, such as some embodiments that employ theconnectors 1601, 1602, a patient parameter module 112 is configured tocommunicate wirelessly with a display unit. Any suitable wireless systemor protocol may be used, such as, for example, radio frequency (e.g.,Bluetooth™, ZigBee, RFID), infrared, magnetic inductance, etc. Statedotherwise, the module 112 may be communicatively linked with the displayunit in a wireless or un-tethered manner.

FIG. 19A illustrates an embodiment of a patient parameter module 1712,such as the patient parameter modules 112 discussed above, that isconfigured to be selectively connected to the display unit 1710illustrated in FIG. 19B. The module 112 includes a connector 1701 thatcan resemble any of the connectors described herein. The module furtherincludes an optical sensor 1720. The display unit 1710 includes aplurality of connectors 1702 that are complementary to the connector1701. In addition, the display unit 1710 includes separate opticaltargets 1722, 1724 on either side of each connector 1702.

An upper optical target 1722 can vary from a lower optical target 1724so as to allow the optical sensor 1720 to detect an orientation of thepatient parameter module 1712 when the module 1712 is coupled to thedisplay unit 1710. For example, in some embodiments, the upper opticaltarget 1722 comprises a reflector 1726, whereas the lower optical target1724 comprises a darkened cavity 1728 that reflects much less light thanthe reflector 1726. A difference in the amount of light reflected bywhichever optical target 1722, 1724 is within the view of the opticalsensor 1720 can provide a standard for determining the orientation ofthe module 1712.

Any other suitable system or method may be used to determine anorientation of the module 1712. For example, as previously discussed, insome embodiments, one or more accelerometers may be used. In someembodiments, the display unit 1710 and the module 1712 may each have oneor more accelerometers, from which the orientations of the display unit1710 and the module 1712 relative to each other may be determined. Inother embodiments, only the module 1712 may include one or moreaccelerometers, such that merely its gravity-based orientation may bedetermined. As previously discussed, orientation information obtainedvia sensors may be used, for example, in the assignment of electricalcontacts (e.g., making pin assignments), in determining the availabilityof the connectors of a display unit 1710, in determining whether amodule 1712 is undesirably upside-down, and/or in providing arepresentation of the orientation of a module on a display screen 202(FIG. 2).

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of a module rack 1800 that iscompatible with certain embodiments of the system 100. The rack 1800 candefine a docking region 1820 that includes one or more connectors 1802.In the illustrated embodiment, the docking region 1820 is substantiallyidentical to a portion of the embodiment of the docking region 120illustrated in FIG. 5. Accordingly, relevant portions of the disclosuredirected to the docking region 120 are equally applicable to the dockingregion 1820. For example, the docking region 1820 can be configured tocouple with any of the modules 112, 112′, 112″, 1112, 1712 describedherein.

The rack 1800 can be physically separate from the display unit 110 (FIG.2). In some embodiments, the rack 1800 can be mounted in the vicinity ofa patient and/or in the vicinity of a display unit 110 when the displayunit 110 is coupled with a mounted base 114 (FIG. 2). For example, therack 1800 can be mounted to a wall, a hospital bed, a mechanical arm, arolling stand, or any other suitable object.

The rack 1800 can be configured to electrically communicate with thedisplay unit 110, such as via one or more wires or cables (not shown).For example, in some embodiments, the rack 1800 can include one or moreconnectors 1830 a, 1830 b that can be coupled with one or more of theconnectors 190 of the display unit 110 (FIG. 3) and/or one or more ofthe connectors 226 of the base 114 (FIGS. 2 and 3) via cables. Incertain of such embodiments, the rack 1800 may be situated a greatdistance from a display unit 110 with which it is in electricalcommunication. For example, the rack 1800 may be within a separate roomor a separate building from the display unit 110 with which it iscoupled.

In some embodiments, the rack 1800 is configured to receive patientparameter modules in addition to those that may be coupled with thedocking region 120 of a display unit 110. For example, the rack 1800 canserve as a supplemental receptacle for patient parameter modules. Thus,each of the rack 1800 and the display unit 110 can comprise its owndocking region 1820, 120, respectively. In other embodiments, thedisplay unit 110 does not include a docking region 120, and thusinformation from patient parameter modules is first routed through therack 1800. In further embodiments, the rack 1800 can be integrated withthe base 114.

Further embodiments of the systems and devices disclosed herein are alsopossible. For example, some embodiments permit a module (e.g., any ofthe modules 112, 112′, 112″, 1112) and a docking region (e.g., either ofthe docking regions 120, 1820) to be coupled with each other in two ormore discreet coupling states, three or more discreet coupling states,or four or more discreet coupling states. Further embodiments providefor a continuous range of coupling states. Additionally, as previouslydiscussed, one or more of a module and a docking region can comprise arotatable connector, in some embodiments. In further embodiments, themodule can be separated from the docking region, the connector can berotated to a new position, and then the module can be reattached to thedocking region. In other embodiments, the module and the docking regioncan remain coupled with each other as the module and the connector arerotated between coupling states. Moreover, in some embodiments rotationof the module between coupling configurations is not constrained about asingle axis (e.g., the axis 277 in FIG. 3), but can also rotate aboutone or more axes that are orthogonal to that axis (e.g., orthogonal tothe axis 277).

The foregoing disclosure recites various embodiments that includemodules for monitoring patient parameters, docking devices, and couplingdevices. Examples of means for monitoring a parameter of a patientinclude the modules 112, 112′, 112″, 1112, and 1712. Examples of meansfor communicating information from a patient to monitoring means includethe cables 124, the connectors 210, and/or the ports 122. Examples ofmeans for docking a monitoring means include the docking regions 120,1820. Examples of means for linking the monitoring means and the dockingmeans include the connectors 172, 290, 290′, 290″, 401, 402, 501, 502,601, 602, 603, 701, 701′, 702, 801, 802, 901, 902, 903, 1001, 1002,1201, 1202, 1301, 1302, 1501, 1502, 1601, 1602, 1701, 1702, and 1802.

Methods related to the disclosed patient monitoring systems, such as thesystem 100, their respective components and features, and their use aresupported by this disclosure and will be evident to the skilledpractitioner. For example, actions described in this disclosure can formthe basis of method steps. Moreover, any suitable combination of actionsdisclosed with respect to the patient monitoring systems, and theirrespective components and features, is contemplated by this disclosure.

As used herein, the term “either” does not necessarily refer to twoexclusive options, and may include within its scope more options thanthose explicitly listed. Thus, although a module may be connected with adocking region in either a first orientation or a second orientation, itis also possible that the module may be connected with the dockingregion in additional orientations.

Additionally, although the foregoing disclosure uses the terms “first”and “second” in describing certain of the illustrated embodiments, theseterms are merely used for convenience in describing the illustratedembodiments, and are in no way intended to read limitations into anyrecitation of the broad terms “first” and “second” in the claims.Likewise, although an orientation may be identified as a “first”orientation in this disclosure, and another orientation may beidentified as a “second” orientation, the terms “first” and “second”could be reversed with respect to these orientations.

It will be understood by those having skill in the art that many changesmay be made to the details of the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the underlying principles of the present invention. Thescope of the present invention should, therefore, be determined only bythe following claims. Elements recited in means-plus-function format areintended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112 ¶6.

1. A display system comprising: a display unit; a docking regionconfigured to receive information used by the display unit, the dockingregion having a first side and a second side; a module comprising acommunication passageway, the module configured to be selectivelyconnected with the docking region and to be selectively disconnectedfrom the docking region, wherein the module is configured to beconnected with the docking region in either a first orientation in whichthe communication passageway is closer to the first side of the dockingregion than it is to the second side of the docking region or a secondorientation in which the communication passageway is closer to thesecond side of the docking region than it is to the first side of thedocking region, and wherein the module is configured to becommunicatively linked with the docking region in each of the first andsecond orientations; and a latch configured to maintain the moduleconnected to the docking region in each of the first and secondorientations.
 2. The display system of claim 1, wherein the display unitcomprises the docking region.
 3. The display system of claim 1, whereinthe docking region comprises a first connector and the module comprisesa second connector, and wherein the first and second connectors areconfigured to couple with each other when the module is in each of thefirst and second orientations.
 4. The display system of claim 3, whereinthe module is configured to provide information to the display unit viathe first and second connectors when the module is in each of the firstand second orientations.
 5. The display system of claim 3, wherein thefirst connector is configured to rotate relative to the docking regionor the second connector is configured to rotate relative to the modulesuch that the relative orientation of the first and second connectors issubstantially the same for each of the first and second orientations ofthe module.
 6. The display system of claim 3, wherein the first andsecond connectors are keyed so as to be able to couple with each otherin only a single relative orientation.
 7. The display system of claim 3,wherein the first connector comprises a first non-electrical interfaceand the second connector comprises a second non-electrical interface,and wherein the first and second non-electrical interfaces areconfigured to couple with each other when the module is in each of thefirst and second orientations.
 8. The display system of claim 7, whereinthe module is configured to provide information to the display unit viathe first and second non-electrical interfaces when the module is ineach of the first and second orientations.
 9. The display system ofclaim 1, wherein one of the docking region and the module comprises botha first and a second electrical interface and the other of the dockingregion and the module comprises a third electrical interface, whereinthe first and third electrical interfaces are configured to be coupledwith each other when the module is in the first orientation and thesecond and third electrical interfaces are configured to be coupled witheach other when the module is in the second orientation.
 10. The displaysystem of claim 9, wherein the first and second electrical interfacesare asymmetrical so as to indicate whether the module is in the firstorientation or the second orientation.
 11. The display system of claim9, wherein the docking region comprises a fourth interface and themodule comprises a fifth interface, and wherein the fourth and fifthinterfaces are configured to couple with each other when the module isin each of the first and second orientations.
 12. The display system ofclaim 1, wherein the docking region comprises an electrical interface,and wherein the module comprises an electrical interface that isconfigured to couple with the electrical interface of the docking regionwhen the module is in each of the first and second orientations.
 13. Thedisplay system of claim 12, wherein the module comprises a sensorconfigured to detect one or both of an orientation of the module and achange in the orientation of the module, and wherein an electricalconfiguration of the electrical interface of the module is configured tobe altered based on a change in the orientation of the module.
 14. Thedisplay system of claim 13, wherein the electrical interface of themodule comprises a plurality of electrical contacts, and whereinmovement of the module from the first orientation to the secondorientation causes a reassignment of the electrical contacts.
 15. Thedisplay system of claim 13, wherein the docking region comprises anadditional electrical interface, and wherein the module comprises anadditional electrical interface that is configured to couple with theadditional electrical interface of the docking region when the module isin each of the first and second orientations, and wherein an electricalconfiguration of the additional electrical interface of the module isconfigured to remain unchanged upon transition of the module between thefirst and second orientations.
 16. The display system of claim 1,wherein the module comprises an actuator, and wherein actuation of theactuator permits disconnection of the module from the docking region.17. The display system of claim 16, wherein the actuator and thecommunication passageway are at opposite sides of the module.
 18. Thedisplay system of claim 1, wherein the module is configured to beselectively connected with the docking region in one or more additionalorientations in which the module is configured to provide information tothe display unit via a linkage with the docking region.
 19. The displaysystem of claim 1, wherein the module is configured to be rotated by 180degrees to transition from the first orientation to the secondorientation.
 20. The display system of claim 1, wherein a rack comprisesthe docking region, and wherein the rack is configured to electricallycommunicate with the display unit.
 21. The display system of claim 1,wherein the module further comprises a display region configured todisplay information in each the first and second orientations without apreference for either orientation.
 22. The display system of claim 1,wherein the module is configured to be wirelessly communicatively linkedwith the docking region in each of the first and second orientations.23. The display system of claim 1, wherein the module comprises a sensorconfigured to detect one or both of an orientation of the module and achange in the orientation of the module.
 24. A system configured tocommunicate information regarding a patient, the system comprising: adocking region; and a module configured receive information via at leastone communication passageway, the module configured to be selectivelymechanically coupled with the docking region and to be selectivelydecoupled from the docking region, wherein the module is configured tobe coupled with the docking region in either a first orientation or asecond orientation, wherein the docking region comprises a firstconnector and the module comprises a second connector, and wherein thefirst and second connectors are configured to couple with each otherwhen the module is in each of the first and second orientations; andwherein an assignment of electrical contacts of one of the first andsecond connectors is configured to change when the module istransitioned between the first and second orientations.
 25. The displaysystem of claim 24, wherein the module is configured to communicateinformation to a display unit via the first and second connectors whenthe module is in each of the first and second orientations.
 26. Thedisplay system of claim 24, wherein the first connector is configured torotate relative to the docking region or the second connector isconfigured to rotate relative to the module such that the relativeorientation of the first and second connectors is substantially the samefor each of the first and second orientations of the module.
 27. Asystem configured to communicate information regarding a patient, thesystem comprising: a docking region; and a module configured to beselectively mechanically coupled with the docking region and to beselectively decoupled from the docking region, wherein the module isconfigured to be coupled with the docking region in either a firstorientation or a second orientation, wherein one of the docking regionand the module comprises both a first and a second electrical interfaceand the other of the docking region and the module comprises a thirdelectrical interface, wherein the first and third electrical interfacesare configured to be coupled with each other when the module is in thefirst orientation and the second and third electrical interfaces areconfigured to be coupled with each other when the module is in thesecond orientation.
 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the module isconfigured receive information regarding the patient via at least onecommunication passageway.
 29. The system of claim 27, wherein the firstorientation of the module is rotated relative to the second orientationof the module by approximately 180 degrees.
 30. The system of claim 27,wherein the first and second electrical interfaces are asymmetrical soas to indicate whether the module is in the first orientation or thesecond orientation.
 31. The system of claim 27, wherein the dockingregion comprises a fourth interface and the module comprises a fifthinterface, and wherein the fourth and fifth interfaces are configured tocouple with each other when the module is in each of the first andsecond orientations.
 32. The system of claim 27, further comprising adisplay unit configured to receive information from the module via thedocking region.
 33. A patient parameter module configured to beselectively physically and electrically connected with a docking regionin either a first orientation or a second orientation, the patientparameter module comprising: an electrical interface configured tocommunicate with the docking region when the patient parameter module isin each of the first and second orientations; and a sensor configured tosense an orientation of the module, wherein transition of the patientparameter module from the first orientation to the second orientationcauses an alteration of the electrical configuration of the electricalinterface.
 34. The patient parameter module of claim 33, wherein theelectrical interface comprises a plurality of electrical contacts, andwherein movement of the module from the first orientation to the secondorientation causes assignments of the electrical contacts to berearranged.
 35. The patient parameter module of claim 33, furthercomprising an actuator configured to permit release of the module fromthe docking region when actuated.
 36. A display system comprising: adisplay unit; a docking region configured to receive information used bythe display unit, the docking region having a first side and a secondside; and a module comprising a communication passageway, the moduleconfigured to be selectively connected with the docking region and to beselectively disconnected from the docking region, wherein the module isconfigured to be connected with the docking region in either a firstorientation in which the communication passageway is closer to the firstside of the docking region than it is to the second side of the dockingregion or a second orientation in which the communication passageway iscloser to the second side of the docking region than it is to the firstside of the docking region, and wherein the module is configured to becommunicatively linked with the docking region in each of the first andsecond orientations, wherein the docking region comprises a firstconnector and the module comprises a second connector, and wherein thefirst and second connectors are configured to couple with each otherwhen the module is in each of the first and second orientations; andwherein the first connector is configured to rotate relative to thedocking region or the second connector is configured to rotate relativeto the module such that the relative orientation of the first and secondconnectors is substantially the same for each of the first and secondorientations of the module.
 37. A display system comprising: a displayunit; a docking region configured to receive information used by thedisplay unit, the docking region having a first side and a second side;and a module comprising a communication passageway, the moduleconfigured to be selectively connected with the docking region and to beselectively disconnected from the docking region, wherein the module isconfigured to be connected with the docking region in either a firstorientation in which the communication passageway is closer to the firstside of the docking region than it is to the second side of the dockingregion or a second orientation in which the communication passageway iscloser to the second side of the docking region than it is to the firstside of the docking region, and wherein the module is configured to becommunicatively linked with the docking region in each of the first andsecond orientations, wherein the docking region comprises a firstconnector and the module comprises a second connector, and wherein thefirst and second connectors are configured to couple with each otherwhen the module is in each of the first and second orientations; andwherein the first connector comprises a first non-electrical interfaceand the second connector comprises a second non-electrical interface,and wherein the first and second non-electrical interfaces areconfigured to couple with each other when the module is in each of thefirst and second orientations.
 38. A display system comprising: adisplay unit; a docking region configured to receive information used bythe display unit, the docking region having a first side and a secondside; a module comprising a communication passageway, the moduleconfigured to be selectively connected with the docking region and to beselectively disconnected from the docking region, wherein the module isconfigured to be connected with the docking region in either a firstorientation in which the communication passageway is closer to the firstside of the docking region than it is to the second side of the dockingregion or a second orientation in which the communication passageway iscloser to the second side of the docking region than it is to the firstside of the docking region, and wherein the module is configured to becommunicatively linked with the docking region in each of the first andsecond orientations, wherein one of the docking region and the modulecomprises both a first and a second electrical interface and the otherof the docking region and the module comprises a third electricalinterface, wherein the first and third electrical interfaces areconfigured to be coupled with each other when the module is in the firstorientation and the second and third electrical interfaces areconfigured to be coupled with each other when the module is in thesecond orientation.
 39. A display system comprising: a display unit; adocking region configured to receive information used by the displayunit, the docking region having a first side and a second side; and amodule comprising a communication passageway, the module configured tobe selectively connected with the docking region and to be selectivelydisconnected from the docking region, wherein the module is configuredto be connected with the docking region in either a first orientation inwhich the communication passageway is closer to the first side of thedocking region than it is to the second side of the docking region or asecond orientation in which the communication passageway is closer tothe second side of the docking region than it is to the first side ofthe docking region, and wherein the module is configured to becommunicatively linked with the docking region in each of the first andsecond orientations, wherein the docking region comprises an electricalinterface, and wherein the module comprises an electrical interface thatis configured to couple with the electrical interface of the dockingregion when the module is in each of the first and second orientations;and wherein the module comprises a sensor configured to detect one orboth of an orientation of the module and a change in the orientation ofthe module, and wherein an electrical configuration of the electricalinterface of the module is configured to be altered based on a change inthe orientation of the module.
 40. A display system comprising: adisplay unit; a docking region configured to receive information used bythe display unit, the docking region having a first side and a secondside; and a module comprising a communication passageway, the moduleconfigured to be selectively connected with the docking region and to beselectively disconnected from the docking region, wherein the module isconfigured to be connected with the docking region in either a firstorientation in which the communication passageway is closer to the firstside of the docking region than it is to the second side of the dockingregion or a second orientation in which the communication passageway iscloser to the second side of the docking region than it is to the firstside of the docking region, and wherein the module is configured to becommunicatively linked with the docking region in each of the first andsecond orientations, wherein the module is configured to be selectivelyconnected with the docking region in one or more additional orientationsin which the module is configured to provide information to the displayunit via a linkage with the docking region.
 41. A display systemcomprising: a display unit; a docking region configured to receiveinformation used by the display unit, the docking region having a firstside and a second side; and a module comprising a communicationpassageway, the module configured to be selectively connected with thedocking region and to be selectively disconnected from the dockingregion, wherein the module is configured to be connected with thedocking region in either a first orientation in which the communicationpassageway is closer to the first side of the docking region than it isto the second side of the docking region or a second orientation inwhich the communication passageway is closer to the second side of thedocking region than it is to the first side of the docking region, andwherein the module is configured to be communicatively linked with thedocking region in each of the first and second orientations, wherein arack comprises the docking region, and wherein the rack is configured toelectrically communicate with the display unit.
 42. A display systemcomprising: a display unit; a docking region configured to receiveinformation used by the display unit, the docking region having a firstside and a second side; and a module comprising a communicationpassageway, the module configured to be selectively connected with thedocking region and to be selectively disconnected from the dockingregion, wherein the module is configured to be connected with thedocking region in either a first orientation in which the communicationpassageway is closer to the first side of the docking region than it isto the second side of the docking region or a second orientation inwhich the communication passageway is closer to the second side of thedocking region than it is to the first side of the docking region, andwherein the module is configured to be communicatively linked with thedocking region in each of the first and second orientations, wherein themodule further comprises a display region configured to displayinformation in each the first and second orientations without apreference for either orientation.
 43. A display system comprising: adisplay unit; a docking region configured to receive information used bythe display unit, the docking region having a first side and a secondside; and a module comprising a communication passageway, the moduleconfigured to be selectively connected with the docking region and to beselectively disconnected from the docking region, wherein the module isconfigured to be connected with the docking region in either a firstorientation in which the communication passageway is closer to the firstside of the docking region than it is to the second side of the dockingregion or a second orientation in which the communication passageway iscloser to the second side of the docking region than it is to the firstside of the docking region, and wherein the module is configured to becommunicatively linked with the docking region in each of the first andsecond orientations, wherein the module is configured to be wirelesslycommunicatively linked with the docking region in each of the first andsecond orientations.
 44. A display system comprising: a display unit; adocking region configured to receive information used by the displayunit, the docking region having a first side and a second side; and amodule comprising a communication passageway, the module configured tobe selectively connected with the docking region and to be selectivelydisconnected from the docking region, wherein the module is configuredto be connected with the docking region in either a first orientation inwhich the communication passageway is closer to the first side of thedocking region than it is to the second side of the docking region or asecond orientation in which the communication passageway is closer tothe second side of the docking region than it is to the first side ofthe docking region, and wherein the module is configured to becommunicatively linked with the docking region in each of the first andsecond orientations, wherein the module comprises a sensor configured todetect one or both of an orientation of the module and a change in theorientation of the module.
 45. A system configured to communicateinformation regarding a patient, the system comprising: a dockingregion; and a module configured receive information via at least onecommunication passageway, the module configured to be selectivelymechanically coupled with the docking region and to be selectivelydecoupled from the docking region, wherein the module is configured tobe coupled with the docking region in either a first orientation or asecond orientation, wherein the docking region comprises a firstconnector and the module comprises a second connector, and wherein thefirst and second connectors are configured to couple with each otherwhen the module is in each of the first and second orientations; andwherein the first connector is configured to rotate relative to thedocking region or the second connector is configured to rotate relativeto the module such that the relative orientation of the first and secondconnectors is substantially the same for each of the first and secondorientations of the module.